When did you start your business? 2006
Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant? I choose to become a VA due to not being able to find the right job in the “commuting corporate world”. So I started out being a subcontractor for an Assistant Boy Scout leader and he encouraged me to do research to see it there were others out there like me. And I did just that and found VAnetworking.com and everything just fell into place from there! I have over 20 years experience in Real Estate and Administrative Assistant experience so it just seemed the more research that I did the more I knew that I was choosing the right thing for me to become a VA! And I haven’t looked back yet!
What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs? To do your research and decide a “niche” so that you won’t be too broad when you first start out since all of this can become quite overwhelming at first. Maybe start out part-time and test the waters to see if it is right for you being your Own boss. And know that if you are wanting your business to become a six-figure making business that it is going to take a good bit of hard work and that you can’t make it happen over night!
What resources have helped you in your business? I have gotten loads of resources and to list a few are: VBSS VAnetworkings.com Virtual Business System was one of my first things that I acquired and it was well worth the money! I have received several certifications from VAclassroom.com like Social Media Marketing Specialists, Facebook Fan page, and am currently taking Internet Marketing 2010. I highly recommend all of their courses. I am REPA Real Estate Professional Assistant certified along with REW Webographer certified and these courses I took through National Association of Realtors.
Share something about yourself such as a hobby. I love to do Cross-stitching, reading mysteries, and especially spending time with my family!!!
Additional comments you’d like to share. I thrive on subcontracting for other VAs. I enjoy learning their knowledge by handling tasks for them and being able to increase their business as well as increasing mine at the same time. They are great teachers and I have been able to broaden my support to them from what I learn in handling their tasks. To those who may be apprehensive about becoming a virtual assistant start out slow, maybe doing it part-time for awhile and get your feet wet with some small jobs. And as you market yourself and work for other VA’s which you will find networking at VAnetworking.com and findvirtual.com you will know that it is some of the most rewarding work that you will ever do!
Sandra’s Contact Info:
Sandra Sims, Owner, Virtual Assistant, Lighthouse Virtual Solutions
Website www.lighthousevirtual.com
Twitter twitter.com/lvsolutions
Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/sandra.sims2
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sandrasimsva